"River" is a song about feeling trapped and wanting to escape from a situation. The narrator is surrounded by the commercialization of Christmas, with trees being cut down and reindeer being put up. She longs for a peaceful river to skate away on, symbolizing her desire to get away from the chaos and find peace. The second verse suggests that the narrator is dissatisfied with her life and wants to make a lot of money so she can quit her current lifestyle. However, the lack of snow indicates that she is in a warmer climate, which may contribute to her discomfort and feeling out of place. The chorus repeats the desire for a river to escape on, with the addition of wanting to teach her feet to fly. This could indicate that she wants to be able to leave her problems behind and start anew. The third verse reveals that the narrator has a partner who has tried to help her and loves her deeply. However, she still feels selfish and sad and has ultimately lost her partner. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the longing for escape and highlights the regret for what has been lost. Overall, "River" is a melancholic song about feeling trapped and wanting to escape reality. The river symbolizes the possibility of finding peace and the chance for a fresh start.
